5 Memorable UFC First Round One-Punch Knockouts

5 Memorable UFC First Round One-Punch Knockouts

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Heavyweight Roy Nelson turned in a jaw-dropping performance at UFC Fight Night 39 in Abu Dhabi with a vicious first round stoppage of the legendary Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. “Big Country” recorded a walk off one-punch KO of the veteran Brazilian after crumpling him with a perfect overhand right to the jaw. Here are five other memorable UFC one-punch first round finishes.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports.

5. Carlos Condit vs. Dan Hardy

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5. Carlos Condit vs. Dan Hardy

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Carlos Condit has developed a reputation of being one of the most impressive finishers in the sport, and that was on full display at UFC 120 in London, England. “The Natural Born Killer” stunned a partisan Dan Hardy crowd by knocking out the Nottingham native at the 4:27 mark. Condit landed a devastating left hook in an exchange, and became the only man to ever stop “The Outlaw” via strikes in his 36-fight career.

3. Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin

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3. Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin

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Anderson Silva made the move up in weight to 205 pounds to tangle with the former UFC light heavyweight champion, and simply toyed with Forrest Griffin at UFC 101 in Philadelphia. “The Spider” dropped Griffin multiple times in the opening frame, and finished him with a perfectly placed right hand as he was retreating. It was a classic example of Silva’s precision striking, and ended the contest at the 3:23 mark.

2. Rich Franklin vs. Chuck Liddell

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2. Rich Franklin vs. Chuck Liddell

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Unfortunately, this matchup at UFC 115 proved to be the end of the road for the legendary “Iceman.” Rich Franklin, who suffered a broken arm while blocking a Chuck Liddell kick, finished the contest with just five seconds remaining in the opening frame. Franklin landed a counter right hand that crumpled Liddell to the canvas. The end came at the 4:55 mark of their fight in Vancouver.

1. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva

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1. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva

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This high profile grudge match took place at UFC 92 in Las Vegas. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson had lost to Wanderlei Silva twice during their Pride days, and was looking for his revenge. He got it in brutal fashion by knocking “The Axe Murderer” out with a devastating left hook. The finish came at the 3:21 mark of Round 1.